ding-dong
The French phrase for "ding dong" is ding-dong. If unsure, use ding-dong. Wiktionary also lists drelin-drelin and dring-dring.
Meaning: onomatopoeia for the sound of a doorbell (intj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| ding-dong | |
| drelin-drelin | /dʁə.lɛ̃.dʁə.lɛ̃/ |
| dring-dring |
In French, ding-dong is an onomatopoeia used to represent the specific sound of a doorbell, functioning much like it does in English.
Which one should you use?
While ding-dong mimics a doorbell, other sounds are used for different objects.
Did you know?
- If you want to describe the sound of a small, old-fashioned handbell rather than a modern electric doorbell, a French speaker would more likely use drelin-drelin. This evokes a more metallic, rhythmic jingling sound.
- In French, the sound of a phone is dring-dring, which sounds like a bell to English speakers but refers specifically to the telephone ring.
- The phrase drelin-drelin is commonly used in French comics and children's literature to create a whimsical or old-fashioned atmosphere.
Examples in context
- La cloche a sonnéThe bell has rung
- J'ai entendu le carillonI heard the chime
Example conversation
Emma is in the kitchen when the doorbell rings.
- NathanDing-dong !Ding-dong!
- EmmaJe vais ouvrir la porte, Nathan.I will open the door, Nathan.
- NathanC'est peut-être le livreur.Maybe it is the delivery person.
- EmmaTu as raison, j'arrive.You are right, I'm coming.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ding dong” translations and entries drelin-drelin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
